New World Karate delving into the world of Mixed Martial Arts

November 30, 2010|By Zack Burns Guest Columnist

Martial arts has become an everyday part of society. It is hard to go a day without seeing someone try a side kick or a cage fight on TV. I, Zack Burns, been practicing Tang Soo Do karate since age 4, and at age 17, I opened up New World Karate.

After being a four-time world karate champion, I am now developing my skills in cage fighting and realize that there is a bigger picture to be seen in Martial Arts. When starting out classes in karate, most children do not come hoping to one day be a professional fighter.

Most parents of the children see benefits in getting them involved with martial arts. Burns says there are many benefits to being a martial artist. Some of them are the ability to defend yourself, the mental dexterity and having a positive attitude. The belt lies within the martial artist’s spirit.

One day when that child earns their black belt, they have accomplished one of many goals that martial arts has to offer. I think the common misconception is that training stops when receiving the black belt, but that is when you should take it within yourself to develop your talents as a martial artist. I wanted to team up with people who were champion quality fighters, but who also had traditional background in martial arts to put out some of the state’s top talent.

Judo Champion Harley Wallen is a Pro Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter, as well as a high level Judoka. He is also a head coach at Ultimate Martial Arts as well as a Certified & Licensed MMA Ref & Judge. Wallen has a great Martial arts background with multiple Blackbelts in multiple styles and is still training and competing. Combined in MMA, Judo, BJJ, Tae Kwon Do and karate, he has almost 500 wins!

Also Grand Master Al Cooper has been putting out Muay Thai champions for years. Along with the Muay Thai, Cooper’s Gym offers much more. They have classes taught by black belts in Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Japanese Ju-Jitsu and Karate. They also teach law enforcement tactical training. As you can see, Cooper’s Gym holds a large amount of knowledge within its walls. There are very few places in the state where you can go and train with so many champions.

Like most gyms here in the state they offer MMA classes as well, and have developed a very good amateur fight team that has been tearing through the competition around the state. These guys and gals at Cooper’s Gym in Detroit are no joke — they train hard, fight hard, and have a great concept of the word team. Team effort, focus, and dedication are what the foundation of Cooper’s Gym is built upon. Mr. Joseph Donofrio, CEO of Donofrio Entertainment promotes professional fights in Michigan and has also been working hard in making sure the respect of a martial artist is displayed in the cage. Cage fighting is martial arts as a sport. It is not just two people fighting for the heck of it.

Most people who step into the cage have the dream to become a professional. New world Kombat is making it realistic for local fighters to make it to the pro level. I have teamed up with some people who have been making waves locally — Enraged MMA in Gaylord, Team Dotson from Mio, and Hitman MMA. NwK offers training for all ages in Kalkaska, Grayling, West Branch, and Gaylord. If you are interested in seeing some of the best the state has to offer and some of your local fighters make their way to the big leagues, join NwK. NwK and its fighters are all about respect. We hope to change the negative image that anyone has about cage fighting or martial arts. There may be cage fighters or martial artist who are not in it for the right reasons, but overall the intentions behind traditional martial arts and cage fighting is to be a respected part of your community.

The Rumble at the Ramada will take place Dec. 11 at the Ramada Inn in Grayling. There will be a weigh-in at 8 p.m. on Dec. 10 and a dinner at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 11 prior to the fights. If anyone would like to meet the fighters and get autographs, it would be a great opportunity.

Four-time world karate champion Zack Burns grew up in Frederic and is the owner of New World Karate.